There are many things to consider when looking for a suitable daycare center for your little one. In addition to at least one daily meal and no more than 20 kids per class, check out the student-to-child ratio. An ideal ratio is 10 students for every adult, according to Education.com. Let's dive deeper into what parents should look for when choosing a daycare.
Location
Before parents worry about school district locations, they need to use the same discernment for a daycare center. If it's too far from home, it'll be a hassle to commute every day. Plus, you'll run the risk of being late. It's important to find a daycare that is in a convenient location for you and your family.
Hours of Operation
The daycare should have hours that fit your schedule. Check for a daycare that's open early in the morning and/or closes late at night. Extended daycare hours save you from worrying about finding someone to watch your child while working.
Affiliations
When looking for the best daycare possible, you'll want to ensure the daycare has a reliable affiliation. It could be the National Association for the Education of Young Children or the National Association for Family Child Care. These affiliations show that the daycare follows certain standards and provides a quality education for your child.
Activities
The daycare you choose should offer a variety of activities for your child. These activities should be educational and fun. Such activities should also be age-appropriate. The daycare should have a schedule for these activities, so you can see what your child will be doing throughout the day.
Tuition
The cost of daycare is an important factor to consider when choosing a daycare center. You'll want to make sure the daycare is affordable for you and your family. You should be able to compare the cost of tuition to the services the daycare offers.
Staff
One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a daycare is the staff. The daycare should have qualified and experienced staff members. The staff should also be friendly and patient. Your daycare should provide a safe and nurturing environment for your child.
Deciding on a daycare center for your child isn't a small task. With these things to consider, you're one step closer to finding the perfect daycare for your little one. Contact Bethesda Reggio Preschool today to learn more!